Operation Tradewinds has taken place for more than 15 years. The military exercise, sponsored by the United States and supported by the United Kingdom, is designed to improve regional coordination and interoperability in countering or alleviating any threats the Caribbean could face, such as natural disasters, terrorism and narcotics trading.

This year's exercise, conducted in March and April, would focus on implementing everything that had been trained and passed down from country-to-country over the past 15 years. 

An 18-nation coalition, including 15 nations from the Caribbean, focused on security preparations for the CWC 2007.  Coast guardsmen from Belize, Dominican Republic, St. Kitts-Nevis, Barbados and Antigua were a few of the maritime forces represented during the operation.

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Gentian also made their historical trip to Tradewinds.  Unfortunately, this would be the last trip to Tradewinds the Gentian will make before its decommissioning in Miami June 30.

The training exposed more than 1,400 military participants to counter-terrorism protection, riot suppression, maritime surveillance and interdictions, port security operations and marksmanship.

"These forces are ready to go," said Deputy Commander of the United States Southern Command Maj. Gen. Richard Mentemeyer. "This is my third year participating in one of these events and each year I am more and more impressed."

PORT ROYAL, Jamaica -- A scuba diver working with coast guard forces during Operation Tradewinds checks his gear while standing on the platform of the Army LCU 2000 New Orleans. A dive exercise was coordinated with the U.S. Navy so Caribbean forces could train on inspection of ship hulls. The ICC World Cricket Cup 2007 expects millions of people to travel to the Caribbean. Many will come by cruise ship. Coast Guard photograph by PA1 Dana Warr.

He also urged the security forces during the closing ceremony not to forget the seriousness of their training.

"The security of your nation's borders and the internal security of your country are dependent on what you do," Mentemeyer said.

By design, the maritime forces were divided in location but bound together by continuous communications through the maritime headquarters, spear-headed by the JDF coast guard.

"The exercise consisted of utilizing command and control structures between military and civil authorities from the ground and maritime forces in an event a crisis occurred during the games," said Lt. Cmdr. Champee V. Sall, Tradewind's Maritime Coordinator and deputy Coast Guard liaison for U.S Southern Command.  This is the first time during this operation that ground and maritime forces combined to identify weaknesses and strengths."

Hundreds of coast guardsmen from around the Caribbean perfected their 15 years of training at the historical pirate town of Port Royal, Jamaica, and base of the JDFCG.

Weaknesses were identified early on and improvement efforts were immediately carried out, said Sall.  With the help of various U.S. trainers, like the crew of the LCU 2000 News Orleans, the U.S. Army Reserve 175th Transportation Company and the International Training Team from Yorktown, Va., to name a few, various responsibilities and undertakings were accomplished.

The maritime forces joined with other coast guards of the Caribbean and were tested in high-stress and quick-action exercises.  Extensive training in small boats, high profile security escorts and first aid were a few areas U.S. trainers focused on with the coast guard forces.

The participants had to overcome language, cultural and personal barriers to ensure a successful Tradewinds.

"Given the large number of participating nations, these exercises showed that during times of need, coordination and cooperation was very apparent between all," said Sall. 

During the operation's closing ceremony at Up Park Camp in Kingston, Gen. Mentemeyer told the soldiers that he was proud of them.  He reaffirmed the troops' crucial role as protectors by emphasizing that, "citizens count on you."

He also praised the JDF for being excellently organized in what he thought was a wonderful exercise.

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